A winter, camping festival may seem like torture to those living in extreme temperatures, but Arizona has got your back in terms of outdoor events for the season. With calm weather and temperatures ranging from 60-75 degrees in the month of February, be ready to get out your favorite festival attire and camping gear, heading out to Tucson for an experience like no other. Gem and Jam Festival is returning this February 2nd-5th for its 11th annual celebration of music, art, and life. Happening during the Tucson Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Showcase, the festival is a dream for both gem lovers and festival goers of a wide variety.

The diverse lineup for 2017 showcases jaw-dropping names in the industry of both the electronic and jam variety: Gramatik, Mike Gordon of Phish, The Floozies, Lotus, The Trancident (featuring Kyle Hollingsworth, Michael Travis, Michael Kang & Jason Hann of The String Cheese Incident), EOTO, The Infamous Stringdusters, G Jones, Steve Kimok with Jeff Chimenti, Bobby Vega and Jeff Ingram, The Funk Hunters, Dimond Saints, a Desert Hearts Showcase and many more. As said by Gem and Jam themselves, “Of the top 20 musical acts billed on Gem & Jam 2017, only 6 of them are DJ/ producer acts, the others compromise of bands and live acts that use live instruments extensively.” No offense to DJ sets because they are awesome in their own way, but the live component of the music will make for an extremely memorable and unique experience at this particular festival and sets it apart from many others in the country.

With the move to the new venue of the Pima County Fairgrounds, the festival is hinting at a comprehensive camping experience in the expansive desert of Arizona. The new addition also arises a never before seen VIP option for those looking to pack light, a boutique camping option that comes with a Shiftpod, a mattress, linens, as well as home décor and furniture. For those seeking comfort in hotels, the heart of Tucson is located only 20 miles away from the venue and can supply many great options.

Gem and Jam has now been around for over a decade and the 11th year is bound to bring even larger greatness than in the past. The unique festival experience illustrates a love for art, featuring artists of both the performing and live painting varieties. For those looking to learn or shop, workshops such as yoga and lectures occur throughout the weekend and vendors will be showcasing their favorite goodies. Captivating art installations and incredible hangout spots will allow for breather if need be.

The music, art, and experiences of Gem and Jam Festival are not something you want to miss, get your tickets HERE and experience the magic with YOUR squad!